Some interesting reading this month. Reuters reported that overall wine consumption in the US rose almost 10% this year, according to the Beverage Information Group. This is the fifteenth consecutive year that we have seen a gain in this industry. This year the increase has been primarily with value-priced wines.

When we expanded the winery five years ago, our main goal was to produce excellent wines at affordable prices, so we are now well positioned in the market for the current economic climate.

Our three offerings priced under $15 have garnered consistent 90-plus scores and gold medals. The 2007 Serenade in Blanc Sauvignon Blanc ($13) is one of the top 11 white wines in the state according to the California State Fair Wine Competition. It took home a gold from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and a double gold from the Florida State Fair Wine Competition. The 2007 Swingsville Zinfandel ($12) was awarded 90 points by Just Wine Points and a gold medal from the Best of the Bay Zin Challenge, and the 2006 Saxy Syrah snapped up 2 golds and 6 silver medals this year.

I always like to say, good wine is in the mouth of the beholder! All these awards and accolades simply translates into the idea that we are not the only ones that think our wine is good.

We will continue to make excellent wines and and we will continue to keep the prices so that everyone can enjoy them. We are committed to delivering value to our customers as we deal with these tough economic times.

When we come out at the other end of this, however, we'll lift a glass of Swingsville Zin to one another!